2011/12 saw biggest number of trusts in deficit

22nd June 2012

New figures from the Department of Health have revealed that the largest number of hospital trusts finished a year in the red for more than five years.

Data for 2011-12 shows that 10 NHS hospital trusts recorded deficits including Newham University Hospital Trust in east London and Mid Essex Hospital Services Trust, which recorded losses of £200,000 and £2m respectively despite both forecasting they would finish the year with a surplus as recently as December 2011.

In addition, Surrey and Sussex Health had a deficit of £6m and Mid Yorkshire Hospitals was in the red to the tune of £19m.

The data was published in the annual report of NHS chief executive Sir David Nicholson.

It said NHS delivered savings of £5.8bn for the year, a quarter of the £20bn savings it will need by 2015.

The report added: “As we have previously noted, the demands of an ageing population and increased costs owing to developments in drugs and advancing medical technologies present challenging financial conditions in a constrained economic environment.

“All parts of the NHS will need to take bold, long-term measures to rise to this challenge and deliver sustainable improvement in 2012-13.”